The new BMW X1 2012Â is the fourth model in the range “X” of the Bavarian manufacturer, and is already a bestseller for BMW. In fact, 115,000 copies were sold in other markets worldwide since the launch of this model in late 2009. The BMW X1 2012Â also had its North American premiere at the Auto Show of Montreal and is brought into the Canadian market with several months ahead of the United States.

Turbo engine and eight-speed box

In Europe, the BMW X1 2012Â is available with a choice of diesel or gasoline engines, but it is only available in Canada with the new four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission as well as ‘with AWD. Its engine is intended therefore comparable to that adopted by the direct rival what the Audi Q5.

This new engine is equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger and develops 241 horsepower at 5000 revolutions / minute while delivering a couple impressive 258 lb-ft from the threshold of 1250 rev / min. This makes the BMW X1 2012Â accelerates briskly and never seems to run out of power, and, despite its weight of 1690 pounds. It is also noteworthy that this new engine is very mild and does not vibrate like a typical 4 cylinder but perfectly emulate the smooth inline six of the Bavarian manufacturer in this area. This is due to the fact that the engine has two balancer shafts positioned at different heights in order to compensate for vibrations and a centrifugal force pendulum is integrated into the dual-mass flywheel of the engine reduces. The result is that the BMW X1 2012Â leaps with aplomb without causing vibrations at low revs.

200 km / h? No problem …BMW X1 2012

During a first contact in the Munich area, we obtained an average consumption of 11.7 l/100 km high and this data can be explained partly by the fact that the test model had the box six-speed manual. Note that the BMW X1 2012Â for the Canadian market are equipped with an automatic transmission with eight reports, and that the route taken included a section on autobahn traveled 200 kilometers / hour … Even at this speed, BMW X1 2012Â inspire confidence by showing good stability and only a fairly steady wind noise around the pillars ‘A’ and side mirrors reminded us that we were driving at twice the legal limit on Quebec highways. In a subsequent trial in Canada, we got a average fuel consumption of 9.2 l/100 km with the model with the eight-speed automatic transmission that demonstrates flexibility.

A long list of options

As is often the case with brand vehicles, the BMW X1 2012Â has a long list of optional equipment such as metallic paint ($ 800) or leather upholstery ($ 1,900), as well as several sets of options.

Moreover, it is also possible that the current owners of the BMW X3 instead choose BMW X1 2012, rather than the new generation X3, simpement because the template and the amount of space inside the BMW X1 2012Â are very similar to those of the first X3 generation. Add to that the fact that the BMW X1 2012Â is cheaper and it could mean that these two models BMW would engage in a fratricidal struggle then, in addition to measuring competitive models from other brands. The outcome remains to be seen …BMW X1 2012